Global law firm White & Case LLP has expanded its Global Trade Practice and Foreign Direct Investment Reviews Practice with the addition of Laura Black as a partner in Washington, DC.
Black brings an extensive skillset in foreign direct investment matters, including experience working at the US Department of the Treasury as the Director of Policy and International Relations for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
"Laura brings a deep understanding of deal dynamics and policy issues combined with an insider's understanding of government processes," said Farhad Jalinous, Head of White & Case's Foreign Direct Investment Reviews Practice. "In an environment where investments are likely to face increased scrutiny, her arrival will further elevate our market-leading ability to help our corporate, private equity and funds clients confidently navigate CFIUS clearance when investing in the US."
Black advises multinational corporations and funds on the full scope of CFIUS matters, including international investment risks, US and multijurisdictional reviews of transactions and new rules restricting outbound investments by US entities. During her time at the US Department of the Treasury, Black led the process of scoping, drafting and finalizing the full set of regulations governing CFIUS's jurisdiction and processes. She also spearheaded the US's engagement with dozens of foreign governments and played a prominent role in the US-EU Trade and Technology Council Investment Security Working Group.
"Laura will be a critical contributor to our Global M&A and Private Equity Practices – and to our multinational clients considering strategic foreign investments in the US," said Eric Leicht, a member of White & Case's Executive Committee. "Her experience as a skilled adviser in CFIUS matters strengthens our already preeminent Foreign Direct Investment Reviews Practice, and further enhances White & Case's market position as a top-tier adviser on business-critical issues in high-stakes, cross-border matters."
Black also formerly served as a senior advisor to the General Counsel of the US Department of the Treasury and on the board of directors of the Inter-American Development Bank, among other positions.
White & Case has a market-leading Foreign Direct Investment Reviews Practice that routinely advises on first-to-market matters, and is consistently highly ranked according to the most recent editions of Chambers USA and The Legal 500 USA.
Black is the 14th lateral partner to join one of White & Case's nine US offices this year, following other high-profile joiners, including Antitrust partner Rahul Rao; Litigation partners Jonathan Polkes, Stacy Nettleton and Adam Banks; M&A partners Richard Brand, Kiran Kadekar, Jaye Kasper and Erica Hogan; and White Collar partner Brent Wible.
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